(2014) Where has all the psychology gone? A critical review of evidence-based psychological practice in correctional settings. Aggression and Violent Behavior., 19 (4
WHERE HAS ALL THE PSYCHOLOGY GONE?2! Abstract Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is the gold standard for effective clinical psychological practice. In this review we examine the basic tenets of EBP and consider how-in the context of psychological treatment provision-EBP is able to subsume the overarching guiding theory of offender rehabilitation adopted by correctional policy makers and psychologists worldwide (i.e., the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model, RNR;Andrews & Bonta, 2010a). We also examine ways in which, under the backdrop of RNR, EBP tenets are typically being neglected by correctional psychologists. We examine three key aspects of EBP currently being neglected by correctional psychologists: (a) individualized and flexible client focus, (b) the therapeutic alliance, and (c) psychological expertise. We also highlight two highly related issues responsible for psychologistsÕ neglect of EBP within corrections. The first relates to the dual-relationship problem.That is, the tension that psychologists experience as a result of engaging in psychological practice whilst also obliging the risk and security orientated policies of correctional systems. The second relates to psychologistsÕ response to this tension. In short, psychology, as a discipline appears to have acquiesced to the dual-relationship problem.In our view, this constitutes a ÔcrisisÕ for the discipline of correctional psychology and for the provision of best practice treatment within correctional settings. We offer several recommendations for injecting EBP back into correctional psychology for the individual, psychology as a discipline, and correctional policy makers.Key words: Evidence Based Practice, Risk Need Responsivity, Corrections, SciencePractice Gap.
WHERE HAS ALL THE PSYCHOLOGY GONE? 3!Where has all the Psychology Gone?
A Critical Review of Evidence-Based Psychological Practice in Correctional SettingsThe role of the correctional or forensic psychologist has evolved steadily from decades of struggle between punishment and rehabilitation proponents. Ultimately, the psychologist has secured an important role in contemporary western world corrections.Yet despite correctional psychology having evolved over many decades, we believe that the correctional psychology discipline is facing a crisis. In this manuscript, we highlight one fundamental aspect underpinning this crisis-that is, the correctional psychologistsÕ mounting neglect of Evidence Based Practice (EBP). The lack of attention to EBP within such a highly important field is potentially harmful not only to the profession of psychology but also to society who must inevitably deal with the devastating effects of re-offending associated with inadequate psychological treatment.In this manuscript, we examine (1) the development of the modern day correctional psychologist; paying particular attention to the highly popular Risk Nee...